new river health district Archives

New River Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips

July 2, 2025
Media Contact: Beverly Hill, Beverly.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips
Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. –In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned over the last five years. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. Whether you are celebrating the holiday weekend at the pool, the beach, the river or the lake, the New River Health District offers tips to keep you healthy and safe while swimming.

Dr. Noelle Bissell, director of the New River Health District shares, “Anyone can drown, but no one should. We need to let go of distractions and maintain constant, active supervision of anyone in the water.”

Drowning often occurs quickly and silently. Unlike the movies, drowning doesn’t usually involve thrashing and shouting. The signs of drowning are more subtle and last only 20-60 seconds before the person goes under.

The New River Health District offers these tips:

Provide active supervision for all children in the water. A responsible adult should watch children closely when they are in or around water. Adults should not be distracted or engaged in other activities, even if lifeguards are present. For preschool-aged children, “touch supervision” is recommended, where the supervising adult is within arm’s reach of the child.
Learn to swim. Knowing how to swim can reduce the risk of drowning.
Learn CPR. Make sure we know what to do if someone needs help in the water.
Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone.
Avoid swimming after dark. Signs of drowning are harder to see.
Watch for swimming hazards like rip currents and rough waters.
Observe any advisories and listen to lifeguards.
“Floaties,” arm bands, water wings are toys, not safety devices. When these toys are in use, the caregiver must still provide active supervision. Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Make sure pools have the proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of injury.

Stay vigilant this summer. Let’s make our pools and beaches safer for everyone! Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information.

New River Health District Offers Tips to Keep Healthy and Cool as Temperatures Climb

June 20, 2025
Media Contact: Beverly Hill, Beverly.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Offers Tips to Keep Healthy and Cool as Temperatures Climb
Extreme Heat Expected to Impact the New River Valley 06/23/2025 – 06/29/2025

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – As extreme heat moves into the New River Valley, heat-related illnesses are a real concern. The New River Health District offers guidance to stay healthy and cool this summer.

As temperatures outside rise, it’s important to stay hydrated and stay cool. Last summer, Virginia had more than 3,200 heat-related illness visits to emergency departments (EDs) and urgent cares statewide and this year, there were 5 visits for Montgomery County and Radford City, from May 1 – June 15, 2025. Additionally, Virginia EMS clinicians responded to more than 3,600 heat-related illness 911 calls during the heat season (May to September). According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat was the leading cause of weather-related deaths in 2024.

The health director for the New River Health District, Noelle Bissell, M.D. noted, “It’s important to stay informed about forecast temperatures and conditions, and to plan accordingly.”

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when your body is unable to cool itself. Humidity plays a big factor in your body’s ability to release heat. The higher the humidity, the slower your sweat evaporates. Additionally, age, weight, heart disease, poor circulation, alcohol, sunburn, and prescription drugs play a factor in how quickly your body can cool itself.

You can beat the heat with these tips:

Stay Hydrated – Drink water and lots of it. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Stay Cool – The easiest way to keep cool is to stay inside in the air conditioning.
Visit local libraries, recreation centers, governmental centers and look to local fire/rescue squads for places to cool down for those who don’t have air conditioning.
Limit Physical Activity – Schedule your outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day – early morning or evening. Take frequent breaks in the shade.
Dress Appropriately – Loose, lightweight clothing is the best way to dress for the heat. Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), glasses, and a sun hat for protection. Reapply sunscreen often.
Stay Informed – Before heading outside check out the Heat Risk Forecast or the CDC Heat and Health Tracker. Know the difference between a heat watch and a heat warning.
Do not leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.
Check on Others – Recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses and knowing what to do, might save the life of a loved one. If an individual loses consciousness, has a fast, strong pulse, hot, red skin and/or temperatures of 103° F, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is an emergency.

Keep these tips in mind for a safe, cool summer. Remember that New River Health District can be a resource for summer safety.

New River Health District Announces Emergency Preparedness Fair

April 8, 2025

Media Contact: Beverly Hill, 540-585-3298, Beverly.Hill@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Announces Emergency Preparedness Fair
Focusing on Emergency Preparedness Skills and Community Resilience in Times of Disaster

FLOYD, Va. – The New River Health District is co-hosting a free Emergency Preparedness Fair Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Floyd Ecovillage, located at 718 Franklin Pike SE, in Floyd.

The community-focused event will offer education on how to be prepared for potential emergencies. Presentations will be conducted by local first responders and various community organizations. Live demonstrations will be ongoing throughout the day. Panel discussions will enable community members to learn vital information and ask questions related to emergency preparedness and response. Booths will feature free takeaways and will give the public the opportunity to meet local emergency professionals. Light refreshments will also be available.

“Being prepared is one of the best ways to prevent severe health impacts that result from disaster situations,” says Dr. Noelle Bissell. “If you haven’t already assembled an emergency kit for yourself, your family and pets, and do not have an emergency plan in place, this event will provide a meaningful opportunity to add this important layer of protection.”

It is important for individuals of all ages to know how to build an emergency kit and develop a family emergency plan, and to know what documents are essential to take during an evacuation. Pet owners should also know how to care for their companions during a disaster. Learning these basic skills can be the difference between life and death.

The following agencies, businesses, and organizations will be providing educational resources during the event:

American Red Cross
Child Care Aware of Virginia
Citizens COOP
Floyd Community Development
Floyd County EMS Ambulances & Responders
Floyd County Sheriff’s Office
Floyd County Fire Department
Floyd Department of Social Services
Functional Medicine Health Coach
Living Light River Studio
Medical Reserve Corps, New River Health District
NRV Master Naturalist
Partnership for Floyd
Scout Troop 19
Virginia Cooperative Extension – Floyd
Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM)
Virginia Department of Health, New River Health District
Virginia Disaster Assistance Team (VDAT)
Women’s Resource Center NRV
211 Virginia

For more information on this event, please visit: https://partnershipforfloyd.org/emergency-preparedness-fair-saturday-april-12-2025/

New River Health District Offers Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine Drive-Thru Clinic

October 2, 2024
Media Contact: Beverly Hill, beverly.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Offers Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine Drive-Thru Clinic

FAIRLAWN, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s New River Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru dispensing clinic in the community. The vaccine will be available free to anyone 3 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The drive-thru clinic is scheduled to be held Friday, October 4, at Fairlawn Church of God located at 7858 Peppers Ferry Blvd. in Radford from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wearing short sleeves or clothing that is loose around the arm will enable the public health nurse to easily give the flu shot in the upper arm and keeping you in the comfort and convenience of your car.

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications,” said New River Health District Director Noelle Bissell, M.D. “This ‘drive-thru’ approach is proven to be a fast, efficient, and comfortable way to receive a vaccination. Most often, clients can be in and out in under eight minutes.”

Each year in the U.S. approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu illness. Deaths are attributed to flu range from 12,000 to 56,000 annually with an average of 34,000 per year for the last three decades.

It is important for those at higher risk for influenza complications to be vaccinated each year. These higher risk groups include:

Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
Persons 65 and older, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.

While it takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection, everyone can take steps to minimize the risk of contracting or transmitting the flu by following these simple steps:

Get vaccinated.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your mouth when you cough.
Stay at home when you are sick.

For more information, call the New River Health District at 540-585-3300 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/.

New River Health District Announces Efforts During National Preparedness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 11, 2023

Media Contact: Beverly Hill, M.Ed.,
Public Health Emergency and Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator,
New River Health District, beverly.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Announces Efforts During National Preparedness Month
The annual designation focuses on preparing older adults for disasters

Christiansburg, Va. – September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) annual preparedness outreach event sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The New River Health District has committed to participate in NPM to increase preparedness in the community by offering educational resources to the public, providing training opportunities to local health department staff and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers, and providing Stop the Bleed training to community members across the district.

This year, National Preparedness Month will focus on preparing older adults for disasters. Older adults have specific needs during a disaster, specifically those who are disproportionately affected by all hazards. Older adults face greater risks associated with disasters, especially those who live in rural areas, live alone, are low-income, or have a disability. National Preparedness Month is a perfect time to create or review your own emergency plans, or those for our parents, grandparents, and elderly friends and neighbors.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility that takes the Whole Community. Learn ways you can take action by visiting www.ready.gov/older-adults and Ready.gov/prepare.

“The importance of preparedness cannot be overstated. Outcomes are far better with these simple measures on the front end versus picking up the pieces on the back end,” said Dr. Noelle Bissell, Health Director for New River Health District.

For more information about the Ready Campaign and National Preparedness Month, visit Ready.gov/September.

New River Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns

August 9, 2023
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, public information officer – Western Region, linda.scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Warns of Rabies Concerns

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. — To protect the health of residents and visitors, the New River Health District is issuing a notice about two foxes testing positive for rabies that were found in in the same general area of Christiansburg within the past week. The most recent encounter, on August 5, marks the fifth laboratory confirmed case of animal rabies in Montgomery County and the twelfth in the New River Health District this year.

On August 5, 2023, a fox testing positive for rabies was found in a neighborhood around Blake Drive in Christiansburg. This is the second confirmed case of animal rabies in Christiansburg within the past week. A few days prior, another fox testing positive for rabies was located in a neighborhood around Dunlap Drive in Christiansburg. In each incident a person was reportedly exposed to the animal. The New River Health District asks anyone who may have come into contact with either of the foxes in or around the area of Blake Drive or Dunlap Drive to call the Montgomery County Health Department at 540-585-3300.

Due to the relative proximity and timing of these cases within Christiansburg, the New River Health District wants to remind everyone, and especially pet owners, of the risks of rabies.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is almost always fatal, unless preventive treatment is administered before symptoms develop. “It is important to keep your pets properly vaccinated and to seek medical attention promptly if you or your pet are exposed,” said Dr. Noelle Bissell, director for the New River Health District.

Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current.

Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:

Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your doctor or the Montgomery County Health Department for further recommendations.

For additional information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/animal-contact-human-health/ or call the Montgomery County Health Department at 540-585-3300.

New River Health District Offers Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine at Drive-Thru Clinic

Dublin, Va. – The New River Health District (NRHD) will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru dispensing clinic on Tuesday, October 4 from 12-7 p.m. at the NRV Fairgrounds, 5581 Fair Grounds Circle in Dublin.

The free vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to those 8 years old and above. The vaccine will be given as individuals remain seated in their vehicles. Since the flu shot is given in the upper arm, it is important for those attending the clinic to wear clothing that either has loose fitting sleeves or is sleeveless.

Influenza, commonly called “flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications, said Noelle Bissell, M.D., director, New River Health District. This unique ‘drive-thru’ approach is proven to be fast, efficient and a more comfortable way for those seeking a vaccination. It is especially important to get a shot this year because COVID-19 is still circulating and getting infected with both flu and COVID-19 can increase the severity of illness.”

Each year in the U.S. approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu illness. Deaths attributed to flu range from 12,000 to 56,000 annually with an average of 34,000 per year over the last three decades.

It is important for those at higher risk for influenza complications to be vaccinated each year. These higher risk groups include:

Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
Persons over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.

While it takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection, everyone can minimize the risk of contracting or transmitting the flu at all times by following these simple steps:

Get vaccinated
Consider wearing a mask if one is high risk or if one is having symptoms
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds
Cover your mouth when you cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand
Stay at home when you are sick

For more information, call the New River Health District at 540-585-3300 or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/.

New River Health District Offers Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine at Drive-Thru Clinic

Dublin, Va. – The New River Health District (NRHD) will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru dispensing clinic on Tuesday, October 4 from 12-7 p.m. at the NRV Fairgrounds, 5581 Fair Grounds Circle in Dublin.

It is important for those at higher risk for influenza complications to be vaccinated each year. These higher risk groups include:

Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
Persons over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.

While it takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection, everyone can minimize the risk of contracting or transmitting the flu at all times by following these simple steps:

Get vaccinated
Consider wearing a mask if one is high risk or if one is having symptoms
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds
Cover your mouth when you cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand
Stay at home when you are sick

For more information, call the New River Health District at 540-585-3300 or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/.

NEW RIVER HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AT DRIVE-THRU CLINIC FOR ADULTS

NEW RIVER HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AT DRIVE-THRU CLINIC FOR ADULTS

(CHRISTIANSBURG, Virginia) – The New River Health District (NRHD) will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru dispensing clinic on Tuesday, October 4 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the NRV Fairgrounds, 5581 Fair Grounds Cir, Dublin, VA

Vaccine will be available free on a first-come, first-served basis to those 8 years old and above. Be sure to wear clothing that is loose around the arm so that a public health nurse can administer the flu shot in the upper arm, without having to leave the comfort and convenience of your car.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications. This unique ‘drive-thru’ approach is proven to be a fast and efficient way to vaccinate a large number of folks in a short time,” said Noelle Bissell, M.D., director, New River Health District. “Herd immunity develops when more people get vaccinated,” Dr. Bissell explained. “There is less virus present to potentially infect those who cannot be immunized such as infants under 6 months old; this helps protect everyone from this potentially deadly disease.” It is especially important to get a shot this year because Covid is still circulating and getting infected with both flu and Covid can increase the severity of illness. Based on data from the southern hemisphere, we expect this to be a more severe flu season than we have had the past few years.

“The timing and duration of flu seasons vary – they can occur from early fall to late spring. Receiving an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of becoming sick with the flu and spreading the virus to others. When more people get vaccinated, less flu can spread through the community. It takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection,” said Dr. Bissell.

All persons aged 6 months or older should be vaccinated against influenza each year. Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:

Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
Persons over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV), or a seizure disorder.

To help prevent the spread of influenza to people in high-risk groups, those who live with people in a high-risk group and healthcare workers should also receive an annual influenza vaccine. Travelers to countries outside of the U.S. may also need to consider influenza vaccination, even at different times of the year.

Each year in the U.S. approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu illness, and flu-related deaths range from 12,000 to 56,000 each year, averaging 34,000 per year over the last three decades.

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:

Get vaccinated;
Consider wearing a mask if one is high risk or if one is having symptoms.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds;
Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and
Stay at home when you are sick.

For more information, call the New River Health District at 540-585-3300 or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/.